The Trump administration announced Monday it would provide partial funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) after two courts ruled that benefits must continue during the government shutdown. The decision came hours before scheduled cuts to payments, which had threatened to leave millions without food support.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) had planned to halt SNAP payments starting November 1 due to the federal funding impasse. The program, which serves approximately 42 million Americans, is a critical component of the nation’s social safety net, costing around $8 billion monthly. However, the exact amount recipients will receive and the timeline for funds to appear on their cards remain unclear. State and federal agencies, along with vendors, must process payments, a process that can take up to two weeks in some regions. The average monthly benefit per person is typically $190.
The USDA initially halted November benefits due to the shutdown, prompting urgent efforts by food banks, state governments, and recipients to secure grocery access. Over 24 states filed lawsuits against the agency to compel continued funding, while Louisiana, New Mexico, Vermont, and Rhode Island temporarily covered part or all of SNAP payments using state resources.
About 12% of Americans could face disruptions in food assistance if payments were fully suspended. A 2025 USDA survey revealed that SNAP participants rely on the program for over half their monthly food expenses. The majority of beneficiaries include children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities, with 83% of participants falling into one of these categories in 2023.